We’re working on a very interesting renovation/restoration/reconstruction project at the moment – the Chalet at Ard na Gaoithe Forest near to Ashford Castle in County Mayo.

Below is what it was looking like before we started:

It was in a poor state of repair and was used as a den for drinking, all the timbers were rotting and had woodworm and was close to falling down.

Our work was to reconstruct in a similar style (but in new materials) and keep whatever we could save – bear in mind what was there was a reconstruction in the 1960’s.

In 1908, Lord Ardilaun had the Chalet erected on the grounds for his wife. It was there that she sometimes entertained and organized tea parties. Lord Ardilaun died in 1915 and a year later his wife had an Obelisk erected near the Chalet in his memory. She was obviously heartbroken as the inscription on the memorial reads ‘Nothing remains for me any longer [‘Rien ne m’est plus; Plus ne m’est rien’] – Anything that does remain means nothing’.

This is how far we’ve got so far:

We’re using stainless steel columns for the visible supporting posts (the central horizontal beam will be cut in a similar way to the original), Cedral Click timber panelling for the cladding and new glazing and doors in a similar colour to match the new standing seam roof.

So. What would you build for love?

What would you build as a husband for your wife? Or a wife for your husband even?

If you would like an architect to help you with your building of love then please do not hesitate to contact me.

ps as a hint wives love new houses, kitchens, utility rooms, walk-in-wardobes and lovely ensuites with slipper baths